Does Black Ops 6 have an early access period?

A player dives to the side, through a window, while firing a weapon
(Image credit: Activision)

Black Ops 6 brings new movement mechanics and a fresh slate of maps for players to enjoy when it launches later today. As with any Call of Duty release, many are wondering about Black Ops 6 early access. This year is a little bit different from recent entries into the series, given Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and a change to the release strategy. For more on the precise launch timings, check out our Black Ops 6 release times page.

If you're looking to play Black Ops 6 as early as possible later this week, you'll need to know the latest news from Activision on Black Ops 6 early access, as well as the specifics regarding the Black Ops 6 Game Pass release. From what we played of the beta, Black Ops 6 certainly has a chance of ending up on our best FPS games list by the end of the year, so we're counting down the days until the game goes live.

Here's everything you need to know about Black Ops 6 early access, including the earliest date you can play Black Ops 6, whether or not there's Campaign early access this year, and the details surrounding launch day. As new info is revealed, we'll be sure to update this page.

Black Ops 6 early access - is it happening?

A masked soldier aims a submachine gun to the left of the shot

(Image credit: Activision / Treyarch)

Black Ops 6 does not have an early access period, as revealed by Activision earlier this year. There won't be a way for players to experience the campaign early, as the developer is aiming for a simultaneous release for all players across all platforms. In a statement to CharlieIntel:

“The team is fully focused on October 25th. We are excited about all the game has to offer across Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies. This year, we made the decision to ensure the community gets to dig into any and all modes that they want at the same time, so we are back to one massive global launch moment on October 25th. As such, there is no Early Access beat this year for Black Ops 6, just the countdown to launch.”

When is the earliest you can play Black Ops 6?

An infographic detailing the preload details for Call of Duty Black Ops 6. The key info is that the game can be preloaded on all platforms on October 21st at 9AM pacific time

(Image credit: Activision)

Black Ops 6 will launch on October 25 for PS5/PS5 Pro (though there's no enhanced version confirmed yet), PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. The specific launch times are below:

  • Xbox/PC Microsoft Store - Oct 24 (4AM - 11PM PT)
  • PlayStation - Oct 24 (4AM - 11PM PT)
  • Battle.net & Steam - Oct 24 (9PM PT)

For a look at how to pre-load the game, so that you can jump in as early as possible, check out our Black Ops 6 preload guide.

Is there Black Ops 6 campaign early access?

Unlike the last few Call of Duty games, there will be no campaign early access for Black Ops 6. This will be disappointing news for some, however, given how spoilers tend to leak around the campaign every year, it could be a good thing to have all players jumping in at once.

Is there Black Ops 6 Zombies early access?

A soldier in a gas mask advances with a submachine gun drawn

(Image credit: Activision / Treyarch)

Unfortunately, there is no Black Ops 6 Zombies early access this year. Players will be able to jump into a brand new storyline at launch, with two maps: Terminus Island and Liberty Falls. As revealed in the Tweet below, Black Ops 6 Zombies main missions will go live around 10AM PT / 1PM ET / 6PM BST on October 25, 2024.

You Might Also Like...

Jake Green

Jake is a freelance writer who currently works regularly with TRG. Hailing from the overcast shores of Brighton in the United Kingdom, Jake can be found covering everything from features to guides content around the latest game releases. As seen on NME.com, Eurogamer.net, and VG247.com, Jake specializes in breaking games down into approachable pieces for guides, and providing SEO advice to websites looking to expand their audiences.

Read more
An infographic showing different parts of Black Ops 6 Season 2 content.
Black Ops 6 Season 2 release time and what to expect
A screenshot showing the new map Bullet in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Black Ops 6 is my favorite Call of Duty in years, and now you can sample the latest multiplayer maps and zombies content for free
A screenshot showing the new map Bullet in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 2 will let you fight on a speeding bullet train in one of the coolest maps I've ever seen
An operator fires a saw blade from a weapon
Black Ops 6 Season 2 Reloaded release time and what's being added
The Tomb in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies.
A new Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies map is coming, plus fresh enemies and an awesome Wonder Weapon
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 Riley Hawk
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 easter egg seems to tease Tony Hawk's Pro Skater revival
Latest in Gaming
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #645)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #644)
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
With discounts of up to 95%, these are the biggest deals I've managed to find in the Steam Spring Sale
WWE 2K25
I've spent days in the ring with WWE 2K25, and it's like a five-star match ruined by the Million Dollar Man
Asus ROG Ally using Steam
I think Asus could be the perfect partner for an Xbox handheld – but I have questions
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Saturday, March 15 (game #643)
Latest in News
Google Pixel 8a in aloe green showing
Google Pixel 9a benchmark link teases the performance of the upcoming mid-ranger
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #1148)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #379)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, March 17 (game #645)
Apple iPhone 16 Pro HANDS ON
Leaked iPhone 17 dummy units may have given us our best look yet at all four models
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over